The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216 Engine radiator and water pump replacement

Old School Cool - Part 1

Well I just finished removing my old water pump and radiator YouTube video link above.

Just wondered if there are any hints or tips regarding installing the new radiator and pump as I have never done either before. I have a new paper gasket with the pump should I use RTV sealer as well? Would anyone know if there is a torque setting for the water pump bolts. I don't do enough spanner work to have a feel for torque setting etc.

Thanks Chris

If your surfaces are smooth, flat and clean all you need is plain old gasket sealer to hold the gasket in place while you mount the pump. The gasket will do the sealing. A lot of people swear by RTV but, while I use it on occasion, I've seen improper use cause a lot of problems. Others may have different opinions.

I use black RTV sparingly on both sides of the gasket, smearing it evenly with a finger. I am not worried about excess getting into the water jacket, since there won't be any due to the word "sparingly" and if any got into the water jacket, nothing bad would happen.
Carl

I think the mating surfaces are good and clean. I will probably go with a small amount of RTV etc as it does help hold it together

Thanks for the replies

On paper gaskets, I still prefer a gasket dressing, such as Permatex High Tack. The RTVs are preferred where the material provides the seal. Either will work, and in either case, a very thin coat on the paper gasket is all you want. The gasket is doing the sealing.

The attached files show a visual selection tree for the Permatex products, just FYI. Of course, there are other brands - just thought the decision guidance is laid out in a nice fashion in these. FWIW, they also have a similar selector for Thread Locker (Loctite) products, here: Thread Lock Product Selector

Thanks for the Permatex info, interesting to see the product range as normally limited by what’s on the shelf. There appears to be a massive range of sealers around now with different jobs and curing requirement. I recently used an instant gasket on the differential pan and found to my annoyance that it started leaking when the oil ate it’s way through. Replaced it with RTV and it’s doing great.

Thanks Regards Chris

I've used Permatex Super 300 for 50 years or so with few, if any problems on all sorts of paper and synthetic material gaskets. RTV makes sense if you're trying to mate parts without a gasket.
Jerry

Just my 2 cents from working on the Generals front line since 1980, use a gasket or RTV but not both except for sealing gasket mating surfaces (i.e. oil pan side gaskets to rubber end seals).

It's all back together with no leaks. So I'm feeling very smug and happy with myself. No doubt the truck will punish me mercilessly on the next outing for my moment of mechanical jubilation.

Here's pump and radiator installation movie

Old School Cool - Part 2

Take your victories, no matter how big or small as they present themselves. Other parts will fail regardless of prior level pomposity.
I am known to dance and fist pump for barely any reason whatsoever.
Carl

I completely agree it’s all small victories in the old car game. Try to explain to the guy at work don’t own a car like this unless you prepared and want to put in some serious hours on the spanner’s

Thanks Carl

I completely agree it’s all small victories in the old car game. Try to explain to the guy at work don’t own a car like this unless you prepared and want to put in some serious hours on the spanner’s

Regards Chris